All this and more await families who visit the Free week long European Year of Volunteering (EYV2011) Roadshow which will stop-off in Dublin from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August.

The fun interactive Roadshow hopes to encourage families and individuals to get involved in volunteering and to showcase and celebrate Irish voluntary work in all its guises. The weeklong Roadshow which is touring European capitals, already visiting Paris, Vienna, Lisbon, Athens and Stockholm will take place each day from 11.00am to 4.00pm in EC House, Dawson St, Dublin 2.

Dr. Yvonne McKenna, CEO Volunteer Ireland, said, “Volunteering as a family can be very rewarding and can offer children new learning experiences and perspectives on social issues, helping them gain essential life skills. I would encourage families and individuals who have an interest in volunteering to visit the Roadshow, all types of voluntary organisations will exhibit during the weeklong event providing information on how people can get involved. Whether you want to sign up or are just interested to see what Irish voluntary organisations are up to, the EYV2011 Roadshow is a great day out for all the family and provides an opportunity for the public to meet some of the 750,000 Irish volunteers who work with voluntary organisations on a daily basis.”

Each day will have a different theme with different organisations showcasing their skills. Visitors to the Roadshow, will also have the opportunity to find out more about over 70 Irish voluntary and charity organisations through information and skills workshops, video screenings, performances and by visiting the many exhibition stands which will be set-up throughout the course of the week.

Highlights of EYV2011 Roadshow Include:CPR and Therapeutic Hand Message From the Irish Red Cross, 11.00am – 4.00pm Monday 22nd August• The Irish Red Cross will demonstrate basic first aid and life saving CPR techniques. For those looking to relax or learn how to help others relax, the Irish Red Cross team will also be demonstrating therapeutic hand massage.

Imaginosity Fairy Tail Dance and Drama Workshop, 11.00am-1.00pm Wednesday 24th August• The Children’s Museum will host a fairy tale workshop inviting children into the world of Goldilocks & The Three Bears and the Three Little Pigs, expect improvised song and dance performance, fun for all the family.

Plant Your Own Seeds with Grow it Yourself, 11.00am – 4.00pm Friday 26th August • From small acorns grown tall trees, join Grow it Yourself for a children’s seed sewing session. Kids will be given the opportunity to sew flower seeds in little pots which they can take home.

Drop off unwanted clothes, Society of St Vincent De Paul, Clothes Bank All Week• Drop off unwanted clothes for a very good cause at the SVP Clothes Bank which will be open all week during the Roadshow.

Part of the European Year of Volunteering (EYV2011) celebrations, the weeklong European Year of Volunteering Roadshow runs from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August in EC House, Dawson St, Dublin 2 and is organised by Volunteering Ireland. For a full programme of events visit

About Volunteering with the Irish Red Cross:Volunteers are the most vital component of the Irish Red Cross. All the good work we do is only made possible because every year, thousands of volunteers willingly give up their time to help others.Volunteering for the Irish Red Cross also gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and be part of the largest humanitarian network in the world.

There are lots of types of activities you can take part in. To find out what is available through your local branch contact us

About Volunteer Ireland:Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development agency and a representative body for all local Volunteer Centres in Ireland. Volunteer Ireland’s vision is for an Irish society in which everyone who wants to, has access to meaningful volunteering opportunities and where the contribution of volunteering is valued and recognised as an intrinsic component of active citizenship.Volunteer Ireland work to inspire, promote, support and celebrate voluntary activity in Ireland and abroad and is the national co-ordinating body for European Year of Volunteering.

About European Year of VolunteeringThe EU has designated 2011 as the “European Year of Volunteering” in order to draw public attention to volunteering. Volunteer Ireland is the national co-ordinating body for EYV2011 in Ireland. The Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland is also represented on the steering group at an all Ireland level. The importance of volunteering has long been acknowledged by the EU and now the EYV 2011 aims to inform the general public about the benefits of volunteering. The year will foster an understanding for the importance of volunteering in creating a more democratic, caring and responsible society.